Potentiometer



Oct. 27, 1953 R. E. BARCLAY 2,657,295

POTENTIOMETER Filed April 18, 1952 5 SheetS-Sheet l /NVEA/Tof?. Hoei/W BBA/@CLAY Y H/" ATTORNEYS. geek/5, K/fcH, Fos TER HHH/ws @we medi Oct. 27, 1953 R. E. BARCLAY 2,657,295 v POTENTIOMETER Filed April 18, 1952 s sheets-sheet 2 Heere/5, /f/ecH, FOSTER & HAR/ns @Y Oct. 27, 1953 R. E; BARCLAY 2,557,295

` POTENTIOMETER Filed April 18, 1952v :s Sheets-sheet 5 Hoef/W E. Bme'cLm/ BY H/S ATTORNEYS. Hmm/s, K/ECH, FosTeReLH/fa/eR/s Patented Oct. 27, 1953 POTENTIOMETER Robert E. Barclay, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to Helipot Corporation, South Pasadena, Calif., a corporation of California Application April 18, 1952, Serial No. 283,016

34 Claims. l

This invention relates to variable resistance devices such as potentiometers and, more particularly, relates to a rotary type variable resistance device or potentiometer used in various instruments, for example in control devices for aircraft and guided missiles. The term potentiometer as used hereinafter will be understood as pertaining to variable resistance devices in general.

While the invention is broadly appreciable to such devices, it has special utility in a multiple or ganged potentiometer of the rotary type for use in a radar altimeter system for jet propelled aircraft. Such an embodiment of the invention will be described herein for the purpose oi dirclosure and illustration as well as to provide adequate guidance for those skilled in the art who may have occasion to apply the same principles to other specific purposes.

The genera-1 object of the invention is to provide a rugged, eilicient, highly accurate potentiometer of relatively simple construction that may be manufactured in quantity with relatively low labor cost for fabrication and assembly.

An important object of the invention is to provide an eiiicient, trouble-free arrangement for shorting out a predetermined portion of a potentiometer resistor so that constant resistance is maintained over the corresponding portion of the potentiometer action.

The problem is to afford a smooth Wiper action throughout the rotary range of the potentiometer with absolutely constant resistance provided between accurately predetermined points of the resistor without the generation of spurious signals or other troublesome phenomena.

At rst thought, it would seem practical merely to terminate the helical resistance coil at the desired transition points and to substitute a uniform conductor for the resistor over the range of potentiometer operation where constant resistance is desired. For example, where a helical coil is wound on a metal core with an intervening coating of insulating material, the helical coil may be connected to the core at the transition points with the core exposed for contact with the movable wiper over the desired range of constant resistance. Such a construction is Wholly unsatisfactory, however, in control systems and instruments in which exceedingly iine accuracy is of controlling importance and is especially objectionable in systems having exceedingly sensitive control components. With reference to accuracy, an insurmountable fact is that the resistance in the wiper circuit actually varies appreciably as the wiper traverses the so-called constant resistance range. It is exceedingly dinicult to terminate the resistance coil at accurately predetermined points and even when such accuracy is attained there remains the troublesome fact that movement of the wiper across the transition point introduces spurious signals. The spurious signals affect operation of the control system and usually are steep front signals of too high magnitude to be tolerated.

Various attempts have been made to solve the problem by having the wiper traverse the helical resistor through the whole range of potentiometer operation with the successive helical turns of the resistor electrically interconnected over the portion of the range in which constant resistance is desired. Such attempts do succeed in providing a smooth wiper action, thus eliminating any spurious signals that are due solely to the wiper action. Unfortunately, however, other diiculties are introduced.

One expedient, for example, is to place a conductor such as a thin wire along the core of the resistor in electrical contact with the successive turns of the helical resistance Wire. It is eX- ceedingly difficult to fabricate such a resistor with accurate placement of the transition points, especially so since the helically wound resistance Wire tends to press the ends of the inserted conductor into the underlying core material.

Another expedient is to deposit a layer of metal along the helical resistor, the deposited metal interconnecting the successive turns of the helix over the desired range of constant resistance. It has been found, however, that, notwithstanding great care and skill, such a deposit in combination with helical turns does not provide uniform resistance. Consequently the traveling Wiper in traversing the shorted portion of the helical resistor creates an undulating signal which is imposed on a control system.

Broadly described, the present invention meets .this problem by using a pair of cooperating shorting elements. One of the two elements is xed relative to the wiper and is electrically connected thereto; the other shorting element is fixed relative to the resistor in spaced relation thereto and is electrically connected thereto. One of the two shorting elements is of elongated configuration and is positioned parallel to the resistor, the 'length of the elongated element corresponding to the length of that portion of the range of potentiometer operation over which constant resistance is desired. It will be readily understood that either of the two shorting elements may be connected to the wiper with the other connected to 3 the resistor and that either of the two snorting elements may be movable while the other is :fixed Another object of the invention of primary impoi-tance is to provide a construction that is time saving with respect to the task of establishing accurate phase relationships in the course of assembly. The wiper on the rotor must be correctly phased relative to the resistor; one of the two cooperating shorting elements must be accurately relatedto the wiper; the other must be related with equal accuracy to the resistor; and finally, in any ganged assembly each unit must be accurately phased relative to the other units. A feature of the invention is that it provides for all of these phase adjustments to be readily accomplished in the course of assembly and does so with simple structure and comparatively few parts.

As will be explained, one of the features of the invention with regard to the foregoing is the concept of combining a slip ring on the rotor with a wiper member that may be mounted on the slip ring with a simple snap action without the use of tools. When so mounted the brush mem ber is manually rotatable for phase adjustment and is adapted for iixed anchorage in a convenient manner when such adjustment is accomplished.

A further feature of the invention with respect to phase adjustment, and especially the saving of assembly cost in making phase adjustments, is the concept of making the various units of a ganged potentiometer freely adjustable relative to each other. Such adjustability is afforded by using clamping means of special construction to interconnect the units. The clamping means at the juncture of two potentiometer units is adjustable from the outside and may be loosened to permit relative rotation of the units and may be tightened to permanently fix the units relative to each other.

A further feature of the invention with respect to simplicity of structure and ease of assembly is the concept of employing a resilient brush structure for yielding engagement with a circumferential groove of the above-mentioned slip ring for the purpose of energizing the slip ring and the wiper member carried thereby. In the preferred practice of the invention the wiper structure comprises at least one wire arm, preferably two wire arms, adapted for engagement with the slip ring groove. The brush structure is resilient laterally as well as inwardly so that it may be freely flexed in various ways in the course of assembly without damage. rings may be moved past a brush structure or vice versa with consequent nexing of the brush structure by each slip ring until the desired slip ring is brouvht into register :for permanent cooperation with the brush structure. Such resiliency is a further safeguard against failure of the brush structure under severe service con ditions.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent in the following detailed description of the presently preferred practices of the invention, considered with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, which are to be regarded as merely illustrative;

Fig. l is a longitudinal sectional view of one form of the invention, the rotor assembly being shown in, side elevation;

Fig. 2 is a transverse section taken as indicated by the line 2-2 of Fig. l;

Thus several slip Fig. 3 is a transverse section taken as indicated by the line 3--3 of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a slip ring together with the associated wiper structure and brush structure;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view, partly broken away, showing one form of clamping means for interconnecting potentiometer units;

Fig. 6 is a similar view of a second form of the clamping means;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. l showing a second form of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a transverse section taken as indicated by the line 8-8 of Fig. 'I and Fig. 9 to 12 are wiring diagrams illustrating the functions of snorting bars in various practices of the invention,

The principles underlying the use of shorting bars in the construction of potentiometers may be readily understood by considering the diagrams in Figs. 9 to llc inclusive.

Fig. 9 shows schematically the circuit of a conventional potentiometer in which a wiper I8 is movable over a potentiometer range comprising zone A in which the wiper traverses a conductor II for nearly constant resistance in the wiper circuit, zone B where the wiper traverses a resistor I2 for rapidly changing resistance, and zone C where the wiper moves along a second conductorV I3 for nearly constant resistance.

Fig. 10, schematically representing one form of the present invention, shows a resistor wiper I5 connected to a terminal I6, and shows a resistor I'I energized by two resistor terminals I8 and I9. Wiper I5 is in contact with resistor I1 throughout the whole range of potentiometer operation comprising zones A, B, and C but in accord with the teachings of the present invention the resistance in the wiper circuit is varied only in zone B. Thus the potentiometer in Fig. 10 exercises the same control over current flow in the wiper circuit as in the conventional potentiometer of Fig. 9. The shorting of resistor I1 in zone A is accomplished by a pair of cooperating shorting elements comprising an auxiliary wiper 20 and an elongated element or shorting bar 2 I. The auxiliary wiper 20 is electrically connected with the resistor wiper I5 and is movable synchronously therewith. The shorting bar 2l, which is positioned parallel to the resistor l1 throughout the length of zone A, is connected to resistor terminal I8 by a lead 22 and is connected by a lead 23 to resistor I1 at the juncture of zones A and B. At the other end of resistor I'I a second similar element or snorting bar 24 extending throughout the length of zone C is connected to resistor terminal I9 by a lead 25 and is connected by a lead 26 to resistor I1 at the juncture of zones B and C. It is apparent that this arrangement is eiective to short out the two end portions of the resistor I1 as the auxiliary wiper 20 traverses the two snorting bars 2| and 24 re spectively, and it is also apparent that resistor l1 need not be connected directly to the two terminals I8 and I9 since the two snorting bars provide equivalent connections.

Figs. 11a, 11b and llc illustrate a second form of the invention employing two cooperating shorting elements, but in this instance the wiper shorting element is stationary and connected to the resistor while the cooperating snorting bar is movable with the primary potentiometer wiper. A resistor wiper 2'! is connected to a wiper terminal 28 and a resistor 29 is connected to two terminals 30 and 3 I, Wiper 21 traverses resistor 29 throughout the whole of zones A, B and C and carries with it a first shorting bar 32, the length of which corresponds to zone A, and a second shorting bar 33 corresponding in length to zone C, the two shorting bars being electrically interconnected. A stationary wiper 34 for cooperation with the first shorting bar 32 is connected to terminal 30 by a lead 35 and is connected by a lead 36 to resistor 29 at the juncture of zones A and B. In similar manner, a second stationary wiper 31 positioned for cooperation with the second shorting bar 33 is connected to terminal 3| by a lead 38 and is connected by a lead 39 to resistor 29 at the juncture of zones B and C. Here again resistor 29 need not be connected to terminals 36 and 3| since the required connections are provided by the leads to the two stationary wipers 34 and 31.

It is apparent in Fig. 11a that the first stationary wiper 34 and the first shorting bar 32 cooperate to short the end portion of resistor 29 corresponding to zone A. Fig. 11b shows wiper 21 in zone B in which zone the two movable shorting bars 32 and 33 are spaced from their corresponding wipers.

Fig. llc shows the primary Wiper 21 in zone C where the second shorting bar 33 is in contact with the second stationary wiper 31 to short the corresponding end portion of resistor 29.

Figs. 1 to 5 show by way of example how a ganged potentiometer may be constructed as an embodiment of my invention with stationary shorting bars to function in the manner indicated by the diagram in Fig. 10.

Figs. 7 and 8 show the construction of a second potentiometer corresponding to the diagrams in Figs. lla, 11b and llc.

Fig. 1 shows a ganged potentiometer assembly of cylindrical conguration comprising five potentiometer units designated 4| to 45, each of which has a cylindrical wall 36. The end unit 4| has an end wall 41 integral with its cylindrical wall 46, which end wall carries a suitable antifriction bearing 48 for one end of a rotor shaft 49. At the other end of the assembly a cap 50 or end wall is connected with the end unit 45 to complete the composite casing and to carry a second antifriction bearing for the other end of the rotor shaft.

The potentiometer units 4 |-45 and the end cap 50 may be held together in assembled relationship in any suitable manner, for example by suitable adhesive at each juncture. In the preferred practice of the invention, however, adjustable clamping means are employed for this purpose, there being at least two such means at each juncture. In the construction shown, one of the pairs of cylindrical Walls 46 at each juncture is formed with a tongue 54 to mate with a corresponding groove in the other cylindrical wall and the two cylindrical walls are held together by at least two clamping means generally designated 56.

As shown in Figs. l and 5, each clamping means 56 may comprise two clamp members 53 and 59 that are of angular configuration, the two members having inner anges or legs 69 and 6|, respectively, which are turned towards each other in overlapping relationship. One of the clamp members 58 seats in a recess 62 in one of the two cylindrical walls 46 on one side of the juncture and in like manner the other clamp member seats in a recess 63 in the second cylindrical wall on the other side of the juncture. It is contemplated that at least one of the recesses 62 and 63 will be of substantial circumferential extent and for 6 convenience in fabrication both recesses may be in the form of grooves extending around the complete inner circumference of the corresponding` cylindrical wall 46.

One of the two adjoining cylindrical walls 46 is provided with a radial hole 66 for each of the clamping means 56, the purpose of the radial hole 66 being to receive a suitable screw 61. It may be noted in Fig. l that the radial hole 66 is located between the recess 62 and the juncture with the next adjacent cylindrical wall. The screw 61 is threaded through the inner leg 6| of the clamp member 59 to abut the inner leg 60 of the clamp member 58 and the leg 6| of the clamp member 59 is pivotally connected to the clamp member 58 so that tightening rotation of the screw 61 causesl the two clamp members to swing toward each other, thereby clamping the two adjoining potentiometer units together. Fig. 5 the pivotal connection of the leg 6| with the clamp member 58 may be accomplished by providing a pin-like extension 19 on the end of the leg to extend loosely through an aperture in the clamp member 58, the outer end of the pinlike extension being peened to prevent separation of the two members.

Each of the cylindrical walls 46 is formed with an internal circumferential shoulder 12 against which is positioned a suitable resistor, generally designated |1, having the conguration of a split ring, this resistor being resistor |1 of Fig. 10. In a preferred practice of the invention each resistor |1 comprises a ring-shaped core 14 on which is wound a helical resistance wire 15. The core 14 may be made of metal coated with suitable insulating material to isolate the resistance wire 15.

In those units of the ganged assembly in which a portion of the resistor |1 is to be shorted, a

suitable ring 16 of non-conducting material is mounted adjacent the resistor, which ring carries on its inner circumference one or more arcuate shorting bars. For example, the potentiometer unit 4| has a ring 16 of non-conducting material that carries two arcuate shorting bars 2| and 24 (Fig. 3) that correspond to shorting bars 2| and 24- of Fig. 10. In like manner, units 42,

43 and 44 have non-conducting rings 11 carrying various arcuate shorting bars 18 of precious metal. It will be noted that in each instance the non-conducting rings and the shorting bars are so dimensioned that the inner arcuate surface of each shorting bar will match the inner diameter of the associated resistor. No shorting bar is shown in the last unit 45 since in the particular structure of Fig. 1 it is contemplated that the whole length of the resistor |1 will be active.

The circumferential length of each shorting bar corresponds to the zone or portion of the range of potentiometer operation in which constant resistance is required and each shorting.

potentiometer. Each shorting bar 2| and 24 is connected to the corresponding zone juncture point of resistor I1 in accord with Fig. 10, the connections being made to the corresponding turns of the helical resistance Wire 15. Preferably the connection is made to of each shorting bar. It is contemplated that the non-conducting ring 16 that carries the short-- ing bars 2| and 24 will be cut away on its inner circumference to a depth corresponding toy thef As best shown in covers 225 of rotation, Zone B covers 121",Y

the mid point thickness of the shorting bars with the inner cylindrical surface of the ring between shorting bars conforming to the exposed curved faces of the shorting bars. Thus, in Fig. 3 a portion 84 of the non-conducting ring IG lying between the two shorting bars 2| and 24 and corresponding to zone B of the potentiometer operation presents an inner circumferential surface which is in effect a continuation of the inner surfaces of the two shorting bars.

Each of the potentiometer units has two external terminals |B and I9 to energize the resistor Il and has a wiper terminal I6, all in accord with the diagram in Fig. l0. Terminal I6 carries a suitable brush means generally designated B8.

The rotor shaft 49 is part of a rotor assembly which includes a cylindrical rotor body 89 carrying a plurality of slip rings 90, there being one slip ring for each of the potentiometer units. In the preferred construction, the rotor body 89 is formed by molding a suitable non-conducting plastic onto the rotor shaft 49 and the slip rings 90, which are in the form of coin silver sleeves, are bonded to the rotor body by the molding process. Each of the slip rings 90 is suitably adapted to maintain constant contact with the corresponding brush means 88 and on each slip ring is mounted a suitable resistor wiper member 9| carrying a contact or wiper element |5 cor responding to wiper I of Fig. 10 for contact with the corresponding resistor I'I. In the units which include shorting bars, the slip rings also carry auxiliary Wiper members 92 providing the required auxiliary wiper elements for contact with the shorting bars. Thus, the potentiometer unit 4| carries an auxiliary wiper member 92 with a Wiper element 20 for cooperation with the two shorting bars 2| and 24.

In the preferred construction shown in the drawings, each slip ring 90 is provided with a shallow circumferential groove 95 for cooperation with the corresponding brush means 88 and the groove has sloping side walls, being preferably of circular curvature in cross-sectional configuration. It is contemplated that the brush means 88 will be of resilient construction not only for the purpose of maintaining pressure contact with the slip ring in the groove 95 in the normal operation of the potentiometer, but also to permit substantial lateral ilexure of the brush means in the course of assembly without damage to the brush means. In the construction shown, each brush means 88 comprises a pair of resilient wire arms 9S (Fig. 4) formed with loops 91, the two arms diverging for engagement with the corresponding slip ring at circumferentially spaced points. Preferably each wire arm 96 carries a cylindrical brush element 99 that rides in the groove 95, the periphery of the brush element having the same curvature as the cross-section of the groove.

In the preferred construction of the invention, each of the slip rings 90 is also formed with a second relatively narrower circumferential groove |0| which is of sufficient width to accommodate a primary wiper member 9| alone or a primary wiper member together with an auxiliary wiper member 92. Each of the two wiper members 9| and 92 is of similar construction, each comprising a piece of resilient sheet metal |02 that is cut to form two arms |03, the sheet metal providing a body cut to provide an open* ing conforming to the inner diameter of the slip ring groove IOI. The two arms |03 are dimensioned to extend around or embrace slightly more than half the circumference of the bottom of the groove of the slip ring, as shown some what distorted in Figs. 2 and 3 for clarity, so that the ends of the arms converge toward each other with slightly less spacing between the ends of the arms than the inner diameter of the groove IIlI. For example. the two arms |03 may be dirnensioned to embrace 15 more than half the circumference of the slip rings.

By virtue of this construction such a wiper member, which is preferably made of spring bronze, may be assembled to the slip ring by a simple snap action. In the course of this assembly procedure, the two arms |93 are flexed in their common plane or are distorted out of their common plane and return to co-planar alignment at their assembled positions. It is further contemplated that after a Wiper member is snapped into position on the slip ring it will have a frictional tendency to hold its rotary position relative to the slip ring, but may be readily shifted circumferentially in the groove |0| to a nal as-` sembled position and to correct phase relation with the rotor assembly. Such a wiper member may be anchored in its final assembled position by bonding it to the slip ring by a drop of solder. To facilitate this bonding operation the wiper member may be formed with a suitable lateral lug or tab such as shown at |05 in Fig. 4, the tab being adapted to overlie the surface of the slip ring so that it may be conveniently soldered to the slip ring.

Such a wiper member may be adapted in any suitable manner for contact with the corresponding resistor or snorting bar. In my preferred construction, the wiper member is formed with a resilient contact arm |06 which carries the wiper element at its outer end.

Since no shorting bar is used in potentiometer unit 45, Fig. 1 shows a single resistor wiper member 9| mounted on the corresponding slip ring 90 to cooperate with the corresponding resistor I1. Each of the other potentiometer units is provided with both a resistor wiper member 9| and an auxiliary wiper member 92, the resistor wiper member traversing the corresponding resistor I1 and the auxiliary wiper member traversing one or more shorting bars. Thus, the auxiliary member 92 in potentiometer unit 4| is positioned for contact with the two shorting bars 2| and 24.

In such instances in which both a resistor wiper member 9| and an auxiliary wiper member 92 are to be mounted on the same slip ring, the two wiper members may be spot Welded together face-toface in accurate registration prior to assembly as shown in Fig. 4 and then may be snapped into place on the slip ring in the same manner as a single wiper member.

Fig. 6 shows how the clamping means for interconnecting the potentiometer units may be modified by employing a different arrangement for pivotally interconnecting the two clamp members.

The two clamp members III) and are of the same general configuration as heretofore described and cooperate in the same manner with an actuating screw 61. The clamp member ||0 is formed with a pair of aligned laterally projecting lugs I I2 and the other clamp member I I| is formed with a corresponding pair of angular fingers I|3 that engage the lugs |I2 in a rotatable manner. Thus, as the screw 61 acting through the leg I|4 of the clamp member presses against the leg I5 of the clamp member H0, the two clamp members swing relative to each other about the axis of the lugs ||2.

The second form of the invention shown in Figs. '7 and 8 is, in large part, structurally identical with the iirst form of the invention, but embodies the principle of movable snorting bars exemplied by Figs. 11a, 11b and 110 heretofore described. Structural parts in Figs. 1 and 8 corresponding to the first described form of the invention are identied by corresponding numerals and components in common with the Wiring diagrams of Figs. 11a to 11e are designated by corresponding numerals. Here again zone A, the first zone of substantially constant resistance, corresponds to approximately 225 of rotation, the variable resistance zone B corresponds to approximately 121 and the third Zone C, where the resistance is again constant, has a length of 9 of rotation.

The potentiometer unt |20 of Figs. '1 and 8 is of the same general construction as the potentiometer unit 4| of Figs. 1, 2 and 3, having a similar cylindrical wall 46 and end wall 41. A resistor 29 of the same construction as heretofore described is mounted in the same manner against an internal circumferential shoulder 12. One end of resistor 29 is shown connected to external wiring terminal 30 by a short lead |23 and the other end is connected to terminal 3| by a short lead |24. The third terminal 28 carries the brush means 83 for cooperation with a groove 95 as heretofore explained. The'groove 95 is in a slip ring |25 which differs from the previously described slip rings 90 in having a second narrow groove |28 to permit a second wiper member |30 to be mounted at a second location on the slip ring. Thus slip ring |25 carries two wipers spaced laterally apart in two separate grooves instead of one wiper member or two wiper members in the same groove. -One wiper member generally designated |29 carries the wiper element or moving contact 21 which is the previously mentioned primary wiper 21 of Figs. 11a to llc. In Fig. 8 the wiper element 21 is mounted on the usual flexible Contact arm |06.

The second wiper member |30 on the slip ring |25 has a circular wiper edge 32 of 125 extent which serves as a movable snorting bar and corresponds to the snorting bar 32 of Figs. 11a to 11o. The wiper member |30 that serves as a movable snorting bar is mounted in the narrow groove |28 in the same manner as wiper members heretofore described. Thus wiper member |30 is formed with two arcuate arms |3| to embrace slightly more than half of the inner circumferential extent of the narrow groove |28 and the wiper member is made of flexible sheet metal such as bronze spring metal to permit the wiper member to `be assembled to the slip ring with a snap action' as heretofore described. When the wiper member is snapped onto the slip ring it may be readily rotated to a nal position of accurate phase adjustment and then, as heretofore described, may be permanently xed in position" by solderingV a laterally extending lug or tab |32 to the slip ring.

Figs. 11a to 11c snow a second snortingv bar 33 of substantially smaller extent that is movable with the longer snorting bar 32 and is electrically connected thereto, the two snorting bars moving along two separate paths. In Figs. '1 and 8 the second snorting bar 33 is in the form of a small offset piece of sheet metal nxedlymounted on one face of the wiper member |30. This second snorting bar 33 has a peripheral extent of 9 'to conform to zone C.

The first stationary wiper 31| of Figs. ia to 11e is carried by what may be ter dummy terminal i3d. The cy etang arm thereto a suitablenut |31. The d nmy terminal E33 is in the form of a screw that exi nds through the cylindrical wall @i6 of the potentiometer unit into engagement with the nut |31. The dummy terminal is adjustable by virtue of the fact that it extends through a slot |38. Preferably, the cylindrical wall of 'the potentiometer unit is cut away to form a recess |39 to receive the head of the screw or dummy terminal |33. Once the screw is adjusted to its nal position and thoroughly tightened, the recess may be completely lled with a suitable sealing material.

To facilitate adjustment of the stationary wiper 34, the conducting arm |35 on which the wiper 34 is mounted may have a small aperture |410 which is accessible through a hole 64| in the cylindrical wall 49. With the screw I3@ loosened, it is a simple matter to insert a sutiable tool through the hole |4| into engagement with the aperture |60 to shift the wiper to an accurately determined position, whereupon the dummy terminal may be tightened and sealed.

Fig. s shows leads 35 and 33 corresponding to the same wires in Figs. llc to llc. Thus the stationary wiper 3s shorts the end of resistor 23 conforming to the length of the shortening bar 32 which determines the length of zone A.

The second stationary wiper 31 of Figs. 11a to llc that cooperates with the second snortingbar 33 is shown in Fig. 8 in the form of a contact 31 mounted on a conducting arm |455 that is similar to the above described conducting arm |35 and is mounted in the same manner on an adjustable dummy terminal i118. As heretofore described, the screw or dummy terminal |45 sets in a second recess |39 and extends through a slot |33 into a nut |311 that is united with the conducting arm |45. The conducting arm his has an aperture |40 as heretofore described. which may be engaged by asuitable tool extending through a second hole |4| in the circumferential wall of the unit.`

Fig. 8 also snows leads 38 and 39 for connecting the conducting arm |45 with the end of the resistor 29 and with a second point on the resistor spaced 9 from vthe endto correspond to the 9 offthe'shortening bar 32 which determines the extent of zone C.

As heretofore pointed out with reference to Figs. 11a to 11C, it is not necessary to connect resistor 29 directly to terminals .39 and 3|. rhus in Fig. 8, wires 35 and |23 may be connected to each other apart from the resistor and in like manner wires 39 `and |24 may be connected to each other independent of the resistor.

The operation of the potentiometer shownr in Figs. 7 and 8 may be readily understood in the light of the diagrams Ila, Hb and llc. The wiper element 21 moves against the inner circumferential surface of the resistor 29 throughout the range of potentiometer operation. 1t will be noted in Fig. 8 that wiper element 21 lis in exact phase with the leadingedge of both shorting bars 32 and 33 as required by the diagrams in Figs. 11a to llc. Throughout 225 of clockwise rotation of the` rotor assembly to move the wiper 21 from a starting position corresponding to the posltlon of fixed wiper 34, snorting bar 32 remains in contact with fixed wiper it., thus snorting 225 of the resistor 29. 8 shows the wiper 21 on the point of leaving zone A to enter the 121 of Zone B in which the wiper 21 varies the resistance in the wiper circuit. Throughout zone B the two snorting bars 32 and :itY are spaced away from the corresponding fixed wipers t and 31 as shown in Fig. 11b. Upon entering the third zone C represented by Fig. 11e, thel snorting bar 33 establishes contact with fixed wiper 31 and thereby shorts out the last 9 ci resistor 29.

` An outstanding feature of this second form of the'invention is that the length of the conducting path through a snorting bar does not change as the shorting bar moves, 'since current may be considered as flowing radially from the slip ring |25 through the wiper member |30 to the stationary contact `34. Y

.lig. '12 snows diagrammavtically. how a shorting bar |50 may serve, iii-effect, as snorting switch incooperation with the stationary wipers |5| and |52. Wiper |5| is connected to one end of ar potentiometer resistor |523 and` wiper |52 is connected to an intermediate tap, Istit of the resistor.

ne terminal EElis connected to the other end of the resistor |53.- andfa second terminal |251 isconnected to the` tap |514. rlfne usual movable wiperl |613 that, traverses the length orf thev relsistor |53." is connected, tothe` snorting bar |58 as shown and is alsoeonnected to the usual wiper terminal |6I.

It is vapparent that asI wiper Ioil moves along the resistor |53. in the region between stationary wiper 15| and'tai'jialstindicatedl the draw ing, the snorting bar lvgcooperates withV the two sttaionarywipers itil and |252 to) maintain subf stantially constant resistance in the wiper circuit, the snorting barbeing ot the saine length as the portionjot'the resistor between wiper. 15E and tap |54.

While IV have electedE to describe my invention as embodied in @i fofar type PQ'nQmet'- it, is obvious that the same principles are applicable to helical potentiometers as well aspiten-` tiometers that operate with straight-line relative motion. It is also apparent that my specific di'soiosiiro of iho orosooilr preferred practicos of the invention will suggest to those skilledin the ort various Chooses, Substitutions arid. other departures that properly lie within. theV Spirit and Scopo of my appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a rotary variable resistance. device, the combination of: a curved resistor; a wiper. in conf` tact` withsaid resistor; actuating means to. cause relative rotation between saidresistor andv wiper..

about a given axis; a pair of. snorting elements` adapted for relative rotary motionaboutthe same. axis to move into and out of mutual contact, one of` said snorting elements being fixed relative to said resistor and electrically connected to there.- sistor to short a portion thereof: andthe other of, said elements being fixed relative to `said wiper and electrically connected thereto, one of said;

snorting elements being elongated concentrically of saidfaxis to correspondlto,saidportion ofthe` resistor whereby relative movement, between said two snorting elements occurs synchronously.. in

accord with relative movement. betweentnawipe'r.,

and resistor, said two snorting. elementsfkieing positioned relative to eachother'formutual contact as said wiper traverses saidportioncof theA resistor thereby tosliort saidlportion.

2,. A` variable resistance device as set forthq 1 2 in claim i in which said elongated snorting element is iixed relative to the resistor and is con.- nected thereto.

3. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 1 in which the resistor together with the elongated snorting element is fixed and the wiper together with the other snorting element is inox@-` able.

4. A variable resistance devise as set forth in claim 1 in which saidl elongated snorting elemoiii is fixed relativo io Said wiper and is oonnected thereto.

`5,. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 1 in which the elongated snorting element together with the wiper is movable and the ref s istor together with the. other snorting element is xed.

6. In a rotary variable resistance device, the combination of: a casing; a curvedv resistor in said casing; a rotor in the casing; a Wiper carried by said rotor in contact with said resistor; a curvedA snorting element carried by said rotor, saidA element being electrically connected with said wiper and having a curved extent correspond-` ing to a portion of said resistor; and a stationary snorting contact in the pathV of rotation ci said curvedA snorting element, said contact being connected to said resistor to short said portion and being adjustably mounted on said casing f or accurate placement at a position corresponding to one, end of said portion.

'1. In a rotary variable resistance device,` the combination of a xed curved resistor; a rotary slip ring having a circumferential groove; brush means in contact with said slip ring ;l and a wiper-` for electrically connecting`-` said slip ring with said resistor, said wiper having a pair ofr arms toy embrace said slip ring in said.- groove for rotary adjustment on the slip ring, saidarms being resilient and the outer en ds of thearms converg-l ing to a distance of separation less than the` in- 11.8.1" diameter. of Seid, groove whereby the wiper may be assembled to the slip ring withv a snap action. 1

8. A rotary Variable, resistance device as set; forthin'claim: 'l in which said arms are-formedlby a single sheetrof resiliently flexible metal wheref saidarms normally lie in the samev plano. and flex 011i; 0f. Sil-m1212111@ for Saidnanaction.

9- A; filiali" Variable resistance device` as sety foriiiin claim-,Tiri whiohseidwipor has fi..1atcr,y alla projecting portion, overlyingtho surface of: Said 511.1211118 fQri bending. to the SlipY ringV hotfix the rotary positionof; the4 wiper on the slip ring.`

1.01.19@ IQiiiiy. variable resistance device.. the oombinotionvoir a iiisodcurved; resistor; axedf oorvodshoriiiig olomonioooooritric tothe resistor. and.A electrically connectedthereto; a'` rotorwinfv oliidinga, Slip` ring;Y iixed.; brush' orleans.V in conf. too-t. with-,Said Slinririe; and twowiporscarried; by. Seid.- rotor *for` olooirioollr. Connecting said simi ring with said-resistor and s hormg dementie. spefctively. y

11. A` varia,bleresistanc device as. Setl forth in; Clam? 1.0i I,1;Wh Ch @31911. 0f: Said Wipers. has a.. pair.l of. arms, to embrace said, slip ring for `notary adjustment on the slip-ring, Said-1annabeing4 1resilientand conforming to more thanhalil of the.. circumference of ftheslip Ving whereby, each `wiper, may be assembled to the slipring witnia snapt 1 action.

12. A variable resistance deviceassetforthtinl claim 11 in which` said sliplring 'has at least: one, circumferential.: grooye and` each. of` said: wipers embraces the slipringin a groove therein.'4

r13 13. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 12 in which the arms of each of said Wipers are formed by a single sheet of resiliently 'flexible sheet metal whereby said arms normally lie in the same plane and flex out of said plane for said snap action.

14. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 13 in which said two wipers are bonded together and are seated in the same circumferential groove in said slip ring.

15. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 14 in which one of said wipers has a laterally projecting portion overlying the surface of said slip ring for bonding to the slip ring to fix the rotary position of both wipers.

16. In a rotary variable resistance device, the combination of: a fixed curved resistor; a rotary slip ring having a circumferential groove; a wiper for rotation with said slip ringy to electrically connect the slip ring with said resistor; and brush means in contact with said slip ring, said brush means having an arm in the form of a re silient wire to make contact with said groove, said wire being formed with a loop to increase its resiliency.

17. In a rotary variable resistance device, the combination of: a plurality of spaced nXed curved resistors; a rotor; a corresponding plurality of slip rings mounted on said rotor, each of said slip rings having a circumferential groove; a corresponding plurality of wipers carried by said rotor for electrically connecting said slip rings with the corresponding resistors; anda corresponding plurality of fixed brush means in oontact with the slip rings respectively, each of said brush means having aresilient arm for yielding engagement with the groove in the corresponding slip ring, said grooves having sloping side walls to permit said arms to slide across the grooves of non-corresponding slip rings upon relative movement therebetween in the course of assembly of the variable resistance device.

18. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 17 in which each of said brush means has a pair of divergent arms for contact with the corresponding groove at spaced points.

19. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 18 in which each of said arms is made of resilient wire with a loop formed therein for increased resiliency.

20. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 17 in which the portion of each arm for contact with a groove is cylindrically curved and the cross-sectional configuration of the groove has substantially the same radius of curvature.

21. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 20 in which each brush means comprises two such arms positioned divergently to contact the corresponding groove at circumferentially spaced points.

22. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 21 in which each of said arms comprises a resilient wire with a cylindrical enlargement for contact with said groove.

23. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 22 in which each of said wire arms is formed with a loop for increased resiliency.

24. In a ganged variable resistance device of the character described having a plurality of curved resistor members, a corresponding plurality of wiper members and a rotor carrying one of said pluralities, the combination of: a corresponding plurality of cylindrical walls xedly carrying and enclosing the other of said pluralities, said cylindrical walls being positioned endto-end to form a composite cylindrical casing, each cylindrical wall at each juncture of a pair of the cylindrical walls having inner recesses spaced inward from the juncture to provide a plurality of pairs of recesses at each juncture, one of said cylindrical walls at each juncture having a plurality of holes between its recess and its edge; a plurality of pairs of inner clamp members interconnecting each pair of said cylindrical walls, each of said pairs of clamp members engaging the two recesses of a pair of recesses in adjacent cylindrical walls; and a screw operatively connected to each pair of clamp members vto tighten or loosen the clamp members, each of said screws extending through one of said holes for rotary adjustment from the exterior to permit rotary adjustment of one of said cylindrical `walls relative to the other at a juncture after the cylindrical walls are initially assembled together.

25. A combination as set forth in claim 24 in which said clamp members of each of said pairs thereof have overlapping inner angular portions that are pivotally interconnected and in which the corresponding screw has a head engaging the exterior of the cylindrical wall and is threaded through one of said angular portions against the other angular portion thereby to tighten the two clamp members together.

26. A combination as set forth in claim 25 in which said two clamp members are L-shaped in configuration with their inner legs overlapping and with the inner leg of one clamp member pivotally connected to the other clamp member.

27. in a variable resistance device, the combination of: a curved resistor; a rotor; a first wiper carried by said rotor to traverse said resistor; a stationary wiper connected to said resistor to short a curved portion of the resistor; and a curved shorting means carried by said rotor for contact with said stationary wiper, said shorting means being of the same curved extent as said curved portion of the resistor and being positioned on said rotor relative to said first wiper for contact with said stationary wiper when said first wiper traverses said portion of the resistor.

28. A variable resistance device as set forth in claim 27 in which said curved shorting means has a wall extending radially outward from said rotor in a plane of rotation for current flow between the rotor and the stationary Wiper in a direction substantially radial with respect to the rotor.

29. In a variable resistance device, the combination of a resistor having an active portion and an inactive end portion; a movable wiper to traverse substantially the whole length of said resistor; a shorting bar movable with said wiper and electrically connected thereto, said shorting bar corresponding in length to said inactive end portion of the resistor; and a pair of stationary wipers connected to the opposite ends of said inactive end portion of the resistor. said pair being positioned to contact the leading end of said shorting bar when said movable wiper reaches said inactive portion of the resistor whereby the shorting bar completes a shorting circuit through said two stationary wipers as longk as said movable wiper is in contact with said inactive portion of the resistor.

30. In a variable resistance device of the type having a resistor member and a wiper member in wiping contact therewith throughout a given range of relative movement between said members, a :snorting 'means for .such variable .resistfanceidevice `for .providing substantially constant resistance .over a .first portion .of `said range and a :varying yresistance over .a .second 4portion Vof such range, said snorting :means .including tivo snorting elements Apositioned for mutualv'viping .contact and .respectively fixed .relative `tol and electrically connected to .said resistor member I.and `said wiper .member to cause relative wiping --movement ibetween said .snorting elements .upon :relative .movement .between said wiper member and said .resistor membenone of Ysaid two/short- -aingelements being elongated to "a -ilength corre- :spondingto .said first portion 4of said range, said two .shorting )elements .being positioned Yrelative -to each other for vmutual `wiping contact throughoutrelative movement .of said resistor l.and lwiper members in said first portion of 4said range thereby to short said resistor member-throughout said first portion of said range.

31. lA variable resistance device as defined in claim y30, in which -said yelongated snorting Aelefment and :said resistor member are lpositioned :side by side.

32. A variable resistance device Vas -in claim 3L-in which said-resistor member and said elon- -gated shortingelernent are eachlof -a form arcuate with respect -to an axis, .and -in which said resistor member and.saidelongated-shorting ele- :mentirespecti.vely provideinner surfaces of subf fstantiallyfthe same radius 'from said axis and respectively engaged by said wiper member and 'the other -of vsaid shorting elements.

33. `I-n `a rotary variable-resistance device, `the combination of: `a Yfixed 4curved resistor concentric with an axis; a rotor and means lfor rjour- `-naling sameto-'turn aboutvsaid axis, said -rotor Ihaving aJcircumferental groove lhaving a -bot -tom wall; la wiper A-for slidably eng-aging .said fourved resistor; and `means for adjustably con- `necting .said wiper to .said rotor, .said .Ilast-.named -means including a .pair .of arms .on ,said yWiper extending 2in said circumferential .groove jfrictionally .embracing said .bottom wall for `angular .adjustment .of said wiper .on said motor. said arms being resilient andencircling slight.- nly Ymore than one-half lsaid bottom wall, the .outer .ends of .said arms .converging .to a Adistance of .separation .slightly :less .than the diameter of said bottom wall, .said .wiper being movable .sidewise towards said yrotor during assembly therewith, `said arms flexing Aduring such .assem- .bly as their y.outer lends traverse the diametrical dimension of .said bottom wall.

34. In a rotary variable .resistance device, the vcombination of: .a fixed .curved Aresistor concentric with an axis; arotorand .means for .jourmaling same -to turn .about said axis, said rotor lhaving a circumferential wall; .and a wiper or .slidably .engaging said curved resistor, .said wiper .providing a abody -formed ,of resilient sheet `ma.- -terial .and having a sidewar-d-ly .open Acircular .opening /of substantially -the .same diameter fas said circumferential wall, said :body providing.

at least one arm bounding said opening, .theend of said farm :being .spaced :from .an `opposed por- @tionof said body a distance `slightly less .diameter or said .circumferential Wall, y.Said arm and said body lying in ythe same fplanasad arm -ilexing out of said vplane as said wiper 4is ,assem- .bled laterally on said rotor .and as said end of said arm and said .opposed portionslippastvthe mid-plane of said rotor.

Number 

